Monthly Archives: January 2019

The Gemini – Maybe Not Your Sign – But Perhaps Your Bar!

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There is a dearth of good neighborhood bars in West Linn and Lake Oswego.   Just before the end of 2018, however, I found a terrific new one less than three miles from my house in West Linn.

The Salty Rhino is a small, no frills, but superb neighborhood pub on Highway 43.   John Lyons and his business partner, Alan Blackwell, are doing a good job of establishing a clientele of regulars since it opened in 2018.

Lake Oswego is a different story.  While there are a few bars, the Gemini Bar and Grill (hereafter “Gemini”) stands out as one that has a lot to offer with an inviting environment.

As Portland Barfly, a credible authority on Portland area bars, states in its review:

“Really the only proper bar in Lake O with a local draw of friendly, mostly younger folks and the occasional monied types on the slum. Remodeled a few years back, ceilings raised, fire place alight. Outdoor seating. Pool x3, sports on multiple screens. 24 beers on tap.” 

While admitting that I’ve gone to this watering hole on State Street in the center of Lake O for years, I have essentially taken it for granted – occasionally just going in for a casual beer with a friend and then forgetting about it.

A gathering of brothers – (albeit old ones…)

It was only in the last fifteen months after attending two gatherings (the most recent two weeks ago) of my SAE fraternity brothers – a bunch of old guys who graduated from Oregon State in the early ’70’s and listening to their comments, then doing some research and afterwards talking to the owner and manager that I came to really appreciate it.

And these frat guys, having started their Beerchasing exploits while in college at legendary Corvallis bars such as Don’s Den, Prices and the Peacock, have strong credibility when it comes to evaluating such establishments..

Corvallis – the start of a life-long educational process…..and the Peacock is still thriving

The Gemini has a long history in this same location and before it was opened by Jerry Casey (whose astrological sign was Gemini) in 1982, it was a bar called the Open Seas.

Casey’s son, Shawn, now owns the building and sold the business to Lordean Moran seven years ago.  She is an attractive and personable lady who lives in West Linn and started as a bartender and then manager at the Gemini.

So why is the Gemini recommended and what distinguishes it as a good neighborhood den?

Besides having ample parking, which can often be a problem at Portland establishments, it’s spacious yet has a cozy atmosphere (two great gas fireplaces), an attractive long bar, two pool tables, a number of smaller spaces or niches to provide some privacy, if desired, and a variety of tables from small rounds to a long community table as well as a larger space in the rear for groups and for weekend music.

It has a kind of funky décor with holiday-type lights illuminating the exposed duct work and ample televisions to see the game you want, yet which don’t overwhelm and detract from the environment.

And don’t forget the deck at the rear, which appeared to be a sure bet in fair weather.

Besides the physical attributes, they have a good selection of beers and ciders on tap (15), specialty cocktails and some favorites which draw great social media reviews (Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule and Margarita).

Good selection of drafts – including PBR, of course.

Lordean also told me they are now offering CBD Soda – a hemp infused soda – the first time I had heard of this offering at a Portland bar although it is becoming more common.  The Gemini sells a lot of it and why not – it’s supposed to:

“…aid sleep, reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve anxiety and reduce contractions in the small intestines,” among other remedies….!

CBD Soda – Medicinal Qualities??

Perhaps this drink has redefined the meaning of the term “On the ropes…”

Then there is the good bar food, the friendly and competent staff, and weekly events including trivia night and popular Texas-holdem tournaments.  The Gemini is also well know for its weekend music.

I guess I could end the review here, but some amplification is fitting.   The first SAE function was in November, 2017.  About twenty-five of us were gathered including some spouses and April, the manager reserved the back room to accommodate us.

Our server was efficient and friendly in handling that size crowd and it was perfect for having a few beers and snacks and catching up after a number of years.

The most recent gathering…

Our most recent get-together was small – only six of us and we all fit at one table.  Grace, our server, was superb and based on the experience of several who make regular visits to the Gemini, she always reflects that customer-service attitude making us feel like we were the only customers in what was a busy bar. (see below for more about Grace)

Unlike many of the establishments I cover, I found no newspaper articles on the history of the bar or reviews by print media such as Willamette Week or The Portland Mercury.   Most of the social media reviews, however, are very positive.

Cozy cubby-holes and niches….

One can go back a number of years and see a few complaints about the sound system or the interior but they have remodeled a number of times over the years and upgraded the sound-system.

There now seems to be little room for complaint. (Yeah, there was one idiot on Yelp who was miffed because they didn’t have Pear Vodka…..)

And Fridays and Saturdays when they have live music, are the nights to hit the Gemini if you want a party-type atmosphere.

The space where the bands play can get filled up pretty quickly and you can reserve a table for a fee which essentially becomes a credit against your bar tab.  I liked this admonition by a Yelp reviewer (1/13/18):

“Plan ahead, save a space by the dance floor, live music is always the best depending on your likes, very talented musicians.  Food is good, service is good, but be patient on busy nights.  And don’t just sit yourselves down like you’re in a five star restaurant and expect to be pampered — not that place. This place  is a fun low key place with great music and a wonderful owner who really cares!“

In January, the groups below had weekend Gemini gigs and although my knowledge of this topic is severely lacking, they appear to have good followings and play at some credible establishments in the Portland music scene:

Wild Heart, Kevin Selfe, singer/songwriter Jacob Westfall, Acoustic Minds.

Dancehall Days, My Happy Pill, Will Kinky

Curtis Salgado

Lordean explained that the history of music at the Gemini is rich and such premier NW musicians including Curtis Salgado and Linda Hornbuckle – the late matriarch of the Portland blues and gospel scene – made regular appearances in years past.

When asked for one of the distinguishing characteristics of the bar, the owner said without hesitation, “Safety for our women customers – especially on weekends.”

This assertion was affirmed at least in one of the more unusual Yelp reviews – especially since the bar is in the burbs and Lake Oswego is not the most menacing unless you are intimidated by BMW sedans…..

It makes a valid point, however, about an important issue for bars these days whether in the burbs or in the urban center.  It also helps differentiate the Gemini from many of its competitors:

“I was greeted by the general manager, April, and watched after, the security is watching for creepy guys and actually offered to walk me to my car, the excellence of taking care of female clients, more bars should take this precedent! Absolutely the highest level of personal safety for women!”  (11/24/18 – Yelp)

And Grace, who was effusively praised by the aforementioned fraternity bros. is mentioned specifically in three of the more recent reviews from 2017 and 2018, the most ebullient and yet succinct of which was:  “One word… GRACE!”  (11/12/17).

One Word — “Grace!”

April also draws additional kudos from social media plus the SAE’s as well and when I chatted with her, it was obvious that she takes pride in the bar she manages and has a great relationship with her customers.

April

Now without getting too compulsive on the Yelp reviews, this one (3/6/2018) sums it up pretty well:

“This place is the BEST! GREAT food, service, and a comfortable place! I recommend this place. You’re NOT going to find a better bar/restaurant in downtown Lake Oswego. I enjoy the dignity and service that is given to me. IT’S IMPORTANT TO FEEL GOOD, WHEN YOU GO OUT.”

Two parting notes:

First, when I saw the shelf of gnomes or trolls shown below in the wall opposite the bar, I initially thought it was kind of weird and tacky and not consistent with the setting.   But after talking to Lordean, it reinforced the idea of this bar as a “community” of sorts, as was the case with the aforementioned Salty Rhino and other great neighborhood bars.

Gnome Contest – perhaps garrish, but a great benefit to Children’s Cancer Association

She said that this “Gnome Program” started five years ago when a little girl named Lexie was diagnosed with cancer.  Lordean came up with the idea of buying the gnomes and having a contest to paint them.  The Gemini brings in “judges” to determine the winners, and all the proceeds go to help Lexie through the Children’s Cancer Association.

The program has continued and they have raised significant funds.  They also support fundraisers for Camp Millennium – a free camp in Roseburg for children who have received a cancer diagnosis.

Secondly, one of the six SAEs who was at the Gemini recently was not in the group picture because he volunteered to take it.  I remedied that by having someone else take the photo at the end of the post.  Craig (The Dude) Hanneman was a roommate for several terms at the SAE house in 1968.

Thebeerchaser and The Dude in 1968

The amazing story of this former farm boy from Turner, Oregon can be viewed in Thebeerchaser post I published in 2012 when he was named Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter.

Up to last week at the Gemini, the Dude and I were kind of even i.e. in 1969, I coached him through Dr. Edward G. McGrath’s upper-division political science seminar.

We plodded through topics such as the political economy of development and underdevelopment, social change, democracy, authoritarianism and regime change, nationalism and constitutional design.  (This was substantively different than him having to learn how to defend the Triple-Option Flexbone Offense when he was an All-American defensive tackle for OSU.)

Defending the Triple-option flex…..

In return, he taught me how to appreciate the lyrics, tonality and meter of Dean Martins’ Greatest Hits album, most notably what became my favorite song in college – “Thirty More Miles to San Diego.”

But that day at the Gemini, he inspired me with a new technique when toasting with a friend for which I am grateful and owe him.  It’s wise advise for all drinkers.  He said:

“Dirt, typically when people propose a toast, they look at the ceiling or have no focus with their eyes. 

From this day forward, whenever you toast, you should  adopt my practice of looking the other party(ies) straight in the eye when you say ‘Cheers.’  That way they know you mean it and it’s not an empty gesture.”

Astute advice from an old buddy…..

Make a point to hit the Gemini in the near future, if not for a musical group on the weekend, just to drop in for a beer and to say hello to April and Grace.   Tell them that Thebeerchaser sent you….

The Gemini Bar and Grill         456 State Street        Lake Oswego

Hey! Have you Seen Thebeerchaser During the Last Seven Years?

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Overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley in 2013

Those of you who are followers of Thebeerchaser.com may know from the 2018 Annual Report that the total number of watering holes – bars, pubs, breweries, taverns, saloons, etc. visited since I commenced this hobby in August, 2011, stood at 287 at the end of 2018. 

Laura and Ryan Keene and Kenzie Dettman outside Stammtisch in 2014

111 of these establishments were in the Portland metro area with the remaining 176 scattered over a large geographical expanse including several cities in Europe, bars and breweries in Alaska, Hawaii, many regions throughout the continental US and all across Oregon.

The Oxford Saloon on our 2016 trip to Missoula, Montana

These ranged from Idaho and Montana to Wisconsin to Maine, New York City and Boston, to the Southeast in cities including Asheville, NC; Savannah and Charleston, South Carolina.  Then there was Beerchasing in the desert – Phoenix and Scottsdale.  Then back to the west coast in northern California. 

Janet with Barb and John Senger at the Sink in Boulder, Colorado

And, of course, some of my absolute favorites are scattered throughout Oregon – from Baker City and Joseph to Burns, Prineville and Madras and down the entire stretch of the Oregon coast from Astoria to Bandon. 

The Embers Brew House in Joseph, Oregon

Wait!  Don’t forget the Benedictine Brewery and Taproom in Mt. Angel, Oregon where those raising a mug of Father Martin Grassel’s flagship brew – Black Habit –  toast the Brewery’s slogan – “Taste and Believe.”

I thought it was important to develop an accurate and comprehensive list of these establishments for those who might want to use this blog as a resource.  Okay, it was also just for my own memories…..

While it took quite a few hours to go back and compile the specific dates, the type of bar (for those in Portland) and location, the result is set forth below – categorized by year and whether it was in Portland or in a venue outside the Rose City .

If you want to find out about a specific watering hole visited (almost always at least twice for those in Portland) or if you are planning to hit Stanley, Idaho and want to find out about the history of Casanova Jack’s Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon, you have a couple of options.  An asterisk indicates the establishment is now no longer in operation.

Thebeerchaser outside the Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon

You can look in the data base below this chart and in the far right column, the month of the post will be identified.   On the right side of the screen when you are in Thebeerchaser.com you will see a field to select the month and year from Thebeerchaser.com archives.  

Alternatively, you can enter the name of the bar or brewery in the search field in the upper right of your screen and you will usually see the appropriate post although sometimes I reference a bar in more than one.  In the latter case, there is usually a link to the main reference.

Thebeerchaser’s Composite List of Bars, Taverns and Pubs

Year Portland Outside Portland Yearly Total Composite Total
2018 12 30 42 287
2017 15 27 42 244
2016 14 39 53 202
2015 11 36 47 149
2014 17 18 35 102
2013 13 21 34 68
2012 20 5 25 34
2011 9 0 9
Total 111 176 287

 2018  Portland Area Bars

  Name Location Type Date of Post
2018-1 The Salty Rhino West Linn Neighborhood December
2018-2 Palomar SE Cocktail December
2018-3 Bar 33 Sellwood Neighborhood September
2018-4 Benedictine Brewery Mount Angel Brewery and Taproom August
2018-5 Brew Barge Downtown (River) Miscellaneous August
2018-6 The Happy Fortune SW Miscellaneous August
2018-7 The Standard NE Dive June
2018-8 The Dockside North Neighborhood June
2018-9 Oaks Bottom Pub Sellwood Neighborhood April
2018-10 Wilders Bar and Café NE Neighborhood April
2018-11 Woodsman Tavern  * SE Neighborhood February
2018-12 John’s Market Place Multnomah Village Bottle Shop January

The Dockside – a classic in North Portland with the best hashbrowns in the City

2018 Bars Outside of Portland

  Name Location Type Date of Post
2018-1 North Mountain Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
2018-2 OHSO Brewing North Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-3 McFate Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-4 Wren House Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-5 Scottsdale Beer Company Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-6 Helton Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
2018-7 Mesquite River Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-8 Sun Up Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
2018-9 OHSO Brewing Phoenix Airport Taphouse February
2018-10 Four Peaks Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
2018-11 Goldwater Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
2018-12 Two Brothers’ Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
2018-13 Durty Nelly’s Bar North Boston Dive Bar October 30
2018-14 Shipyard Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-15 Sebago Brewing Portland, Maine Brewpub October 30
2018-16 Rising Tide Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-17 Marshall Wharf Brewing Belfast, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-18 Sea Dog Brewing Camden, Maine Brewpub October 30
2018-19 Rock Harbor Brewing Rock Harbor, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-20 Atlantic Brewing Bar Harbor, Maine Taproom October 18
2018-21 Cottage Street Pub Bar Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
2018-22 Island Bar SW Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
2018-23 Sips Southwest Harbor, Maine Cocktail Bar October 18
2018-24 Ebenezer’s Pub Lovell, Maine Neighborhood October 9
2018-25 Standard Gastropub Bridgton, Maine Gas Station Bar October 9
2018-26 Sea Dog Brewing South Portland, Maine Brewpub October 9
2018-27 Heartland Brewing New York City Brewery and Pub October 1
2018-28 District Tap House New York City Taphouse October 1
2018-29 Mariott Pulse Rooftop Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1
2018-30 Mariott Pulse Patio Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1

Historic dive bar, Durty Nelly’s in Boston’s North End

2017 Portland Area Bars

  Name of Venue Location Type Date of Post
2017-1 Multnomah Whiskey Library Downtown Whiskey Bar January
2017-2 Nineteen 33 Taproom West Linn Neighborhood February
2017-3 Buffalo Bill’s Saloon Beavercreek Neighborhood February
2017-4 Ancestry Brewing Tualatin Brewery February
2017-5 The Independent Downtown Sports Bar March
2017-6 NEPO 42 Northeast Neighborhood April
2017-7 Burnside Brewing East Brewery April
2017-8 Gil’s Speakeasy Southeast Dive Bar May
2017-9 Flyboy Brewing Tigard Brewery May
2017-10 Cascade Brewing Barrel House Southeast Brewpub June
2017-11 Labrewatory North Brewery June
2017-12 Renners Multnomah Village Dive Bar August
2017-13 Slow Bar Southeast Neighborhood October
2017-14 TC O’Leary’s Irish Pub Northeast Neighborhood October
2017-15 ZARZ Downtown Whiskey Bar December

The Multnomah Whiskey Library

 2017 Bars Outside Portland

  Name of Venue Location Type Date of Post
2017-1 Nauti Mermaid Beach Club Lincoln City, OR Neighborhood July
2017-2 Scooters Pub Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood July
2017-3 Dukes on the Water Milwaukee, Wisc. Dive July
2017-4 Water Street Brewery Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-5 Badger State Brewery Green Bay, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-6 Hinterland Brewery Green Bay, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-7 Door County Brewing Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Brewery August
2017-8 AC Tap Sister Bay, Wisc Dive August
2017-9 Coyote Road House Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Neighborhood August
2017-10 Cornerstone Pub Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Neighborhood August
2017-11 Pourman’s Bar Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-12 Lake Front Brewing Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewery September
2017-13 McGillycuddy’s Bar Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-14 Bar None Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-15 The Ale Asylum Riverhouse Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewpub September
2017-16 Yachats Brewing Yachats, OR Brewery November
2017-17 Defeat River Brewing Reedsport, OR Brewery November
2017-18 Seven Devils Brewing Coos Bay, OR Brewery November
2017-19 Bandon Brewery Bandon, OR Brewery November
2017-20 Broken Anchor Bar and Grill Bandon, OR Neighborhood November
2017-21 The Beverage Barn Bandon, OR Bottle Shop November
2017-22 Arch Rock Brewing Gold Beach, OR Brewery November
2017-23 Chetco Brewing Brookings, OR Brewery November
2017-24 Six Rivers Brewing McKinleyville, CA Brewery December
2017-25 Humboldt Regeneration McKinleyville, CA Brewery December
2017-26 Lost Coast Brewery Eureka, CA Brewery December
2017-27 Mad River Brewery Blue Lake, CA Brewery December

AC Tap  outside Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin

2016 Portland Area Bars

2016-1 Lake Oswego The Hop’N Cork Neighborhood January
2016-2 NE Sloan’s Tavern Neighborhood February
2016-3 SE Hair of the Dog Brewery Brewery February
2016-4 SW Barlow Artisenal Bar Misc. March
2016-5 NW Life of Riley Tavern Dive March
2016-6 SW The Yardhouse Misc. April
2016-7 N The Rambler Neighborhood May
2016-8 SE The Ranger Station Neighborhood June
2016-9 SW MoMo Bar Maximo Dive July
2016-10 NE Billy Ray’s Neighborhood Dive Dive August
2016-11 SE Mad Sons Pub * Neighborhood September
2016-12 SW The Fulton Pub Brewery October
2016-13 NW Bridgeport Brewery Brewery November
2016-14 SW Mummy’s Bar and Restaurant Misc. December

Beerchaser regulars and trial lawyers, Brian King, Brian Flanagan and John Mansfield outside Billy Rays Neighborhood Dive Bar

2016 Bars Outside Portland

2016-1 Tamarack Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-2 Stockman Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-3 Big Sky Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-4 Flathead Lake Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-5 Draught Works Brewery Missoula, MT February
2016-6 Charlie B’s Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-7 Oxford Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-8 Plonk Wine Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-9 Kauai Island Brewing Company Kauai May
2016-10 Kauai Beer Company Kauai May
2016-11 Duke’s Bar and Restaurant Kauai May
2016-12 Nawiliwili Tavern Kauai May
2016-13 Blackfoot River Brewing Helena, MT July
2016-14 Lewis and Clark Brewing Helena, MT July
2016-15 Grand Teton Park Lodge Grand Teton NP July
2016-16 Local Restaurant and Bar Jackson, WY July
2016-17 Gather Food and Drink Jackson, WY July
2016-18 Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Jackson, WY July
2016-19 Melvin Brewing Jackson, WY July
2016-20 Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon West Yellowstone July
2016-21 Couer d’aline Resort Bar Couer d’aline August
2016-22 The Moose Lounge Couer d’aline August
2016-23 The Corner Bar Couer d’aline August
2016-24 Chained-Up Brewpub Couer d’aline August
2016-25 Crafted Taphouse and Kitchen Kennewick, WA August
2016-26 Ice Harbor Brewery Kennewick, WA August
2016-27 McCall Brewing Company McCall, ID August
2016-28 Salmon River Brewery McCall, ID August
2016-29 Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon Stanley, ID September
2016-30 The Kasino Club Stanley, ID September
2016-31 Redfish Lake Lodge Bar Stanley, ID September
2016-32 Caldera Brewing Ashland, OR October 24
2016-33 Blackbird Kitchen and Bar Sacramento October 31
2016-34 Hock Farm Craft Provisions Sacramento October 31
2016-35 Dive Bar Sacramento October 31
2016-36 Woody’s Brewing Redding, CA November
2016-37 The Pour House Murphys, CA November
2016-38 Murphys Hotel and Saloon Murphys, CA November
2016-39 Murphys Irish Pub Murphys, CA November

 

The Moose Lounge in the heart of Couer dalene, Idaho

2015 Portland Area Bars

2015-1 Suburb Brannon’s in Beaverton * Neighborhood March
2015-2 NE Oregon Public House Non-profit Pub March
2015-3 SE Double Barrel Tavern Dive April
2015-4 N Ecliptic Brewing Brewery and Pub May
2015-5 SW Yamhill Pub Grunge May
2015-6 NW Low Brow Lounge Dive June
2015-7 SW Pope Bourbon House Cocktail June
2015-8 SW Kelly’s Olympian Historic Dive August
2015-9 N St. John’s Pub Historic November
2015-10 NW The New Old Lompoc * Neighborhood November
2015-11 SE Produce Row Café Historic December

Historic Kellys Olympian in Downtown Portland

2015 Bars Outside Portland

2015-1 The Sink Boulder, Colorado February
2015-2 Post Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-3 Crystal Springs Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-4 Gravity Brewing Louisville, Colorado February
2015-6 Avery Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-7 Post Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-8 New Belgium Brewing Fort Collins, Colorado May 19
2015-9 Mayor of Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado May19
2015-10 The Town Pump Fort Collins, Colorado May 19
2015-11 Phantom Canyon Brewing Colorado Springs, Colorado May 19
2015-12 Ritz Bar and Grill Colorado Springs, Colorado May 19
2015-13 Breckinridge Brewery Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-14 Ollie’s Pub and Grub Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-15 Gold Pan Saloon Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-16 Angel Hollow Bar Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-17 Après Handcrafted Libations Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-18 Broken Compass Brewery Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-19 Dillon Dam Brewery Dillon, Colorado May 29
2015-20 Eleventh Street Pub & Bistro Atlanta, GA July
2015-21 The Nook on Piedmont Atlanta, GA July
2015-22 Max’ Wine Dive Atlanta, GA July
2015-23 Jack of the Woods Public House Asheville, SC July
2015-24 The Thirsty Monk Asheville, SC July
2015-25 Wicked Weed Brewery Asheville, SC July
2015-26 Lexington Avenue Brewery Asheville, SC July
2015-27 Blind Tiger Pub Charleston, SC July
2015-28 South End Brewery & Smokehouse Charleston, SC July
2015-29 Charleston Beer Exchange Charleston, SC July
2015-30 The Gin Joint Charleston, SC July
2015-31 The Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern Savannah, GA September
2015-32 JJ Bonerz Sports Bar Savannah, GA September
2015-33 Moon River Brew Brewery Savannah, GA September
2015-34 Churchill’s Pub Savannah, GA September
2015-35 Savannah Distillery Ale House Savannah, GA September
2015-36 Pinky Master’s  * Savannah, GA September

The Gold Pan Saloon in Breckenridge, Colorado

2014 Portland Area Bars

2014-1 The Nest SE Neighborhood January
2014-2 Skyline Tavern NW Historic January
2014-3 Sandy Hut NE Dive February
2014-4 The Cheerful Bullpen SW Sports February
2014-5 Saraveza N Neighborhood March
2014-6 Bazi Bier Brassiere SE Neighborhood April
2014-7 Bailey’s Tap Room/The Upper Lip NW Taproom April
2014-8 Crackerjacks Pub NW Neighborhood April
2014-9 Quimby’s NW Neighborhood April
2014-10 Sniff Café NW Miscellaneous April
2014-11 The Lost and Found N Neighborhood June
2014-12 The Beer Mongers SE Bottle Shop June
2014-13 Stammtisch NE Neighborhood July
2014-14 Portland Peda Lounge SE Miscellaneous August
2014-15 Club 21 * NE Dive September
2014-16 The Richmond Bar SE Cocktail November
2014-17 Marathon Taverna NW Sports December

Owner of the Bazi Bierbrasserie, Hilda Stevens holds Thebeerchaser logo while part of our walking group finishes its food and bier

2014 Bars Outside Portland

2014-1 Glacier Brewhouse Anchorage, Alaska July 8 February
2014-2 Darwin’s Theory Anchorage, Alaska July 8
2014-3 Haines Brewery Haines, Alaska July 17 February
2014-4 Red Dog Saloon Juneau, Alaska July 17
2014-5 Shipboard Bars Statandem – Holland America July 17
2014-6 Lumpy’s Landing Dundee, OR September
2014-7 The Old Oregon Saloon Lincoln City, OR September
2014-8 The Nauti Mermaid Lincoln City, OR September
2014-9 Road House 101 Lincoln City, OR October
2014-10 Snug Harbor Bar & Grill Lincoln City, OR October
2014-11 Pelican Brewery Pacific City, OR October
2014-12 The Oar House Pacific City, OR October
2014-13 Sportsman Pub and Grub Pacific City, OR October
2014-14 Cruise Inn Lincoln City, OR November
2014-15 Bay Haven Inn Newport, OR November
2014-16 Mad Dog Country Tavern Newport, OR November
2014-17 Hoovers Bar and Grill Newport, OR November
2014-18 Tidepool Pub Depoe Bay, OR November

Lincoln City’s Cruise Inn

2013 Portland Area Bars

2013-1 The Grand Café SE Dive January
2013-2 Belmont Inn SE Neighborhood March
2013-3 Tugboat Brewery * SW Brewery and Pub March
2013-4 Belmont Station SE Bottle Shop April
2013-5 Tanker Bar SE Dive April
2013-6 Beer SE Neighborhood April
2013-7 Horse Brass Pub SE Historic Brew Pub May
2013-8 Sidecar 11 N Neighborhood June
2013-9 Sasquatch Brewery Cedar Hills Brewery and Pub July
2013-10 The Slammer SE Dive August
2013-11 Davis Street Tavern * NW Neighborhood October
2013-12 Slabtown * NW Dive October
2013-13 Church NE Neighborhood December

The Slammer in the Barmuda Triangle

2013 Bars Outside Portland

2013-1 Café Karpershoek Amsterdam, Netherland June
2013-2 Bier Brewery Anaheim, Austria July
2013-3 Hells Tavern Rothenberg, Germany July
2013-4 The Devil’s Forest Pub Venice, Italy July
2013-5 Bacaro Jazz Café Venice, Italy July
2013-6 Miscellana Café and Pub Rome, Italy August
2013-7 La Cantina Di Miky Vernazza, Italy September
2013-8 The Horner Pub Lauterbrunner, Switzerland September
2013-9 Schilthorn Taverne Lauterbrunner, Switzerland September
3013-10 The Publican Beaune, France October
2013-11 The Beer Station Paris, France October
2013-12 La Vin Couer Paris, France October
2013-13 Long Branch Bar La Grande, OR November 4
2013-14 Cascades Lake Brewery La Grande, OR November 4
2013-15 Horseshoe Tavern Prineville, OR November 4
2013-16 Solstice Brew Pub Prineville, OR November 4
2013-17 Hideout Saloon La Grande, OR November 4
2013-18 10 Depot Street La Grande, OR November 14
2013-19 Mt.  Emily Ale House Baker, OR November 14
2013-20 Bull Ridge Brewery Baker, OR November 14
2013-21 Central Pastime Tavern Burns, OR November 20

Café Karpershoek – the oldest bar in Amsterdam – founded in 1606

2012 Portland Area Bars

2012-1 Dixie Tavern NW Dive Club February
2012-2 Ash Street Saloon * SW Club February
2012-3 Migration Brewery NE Brewery and Pub February
2012-4 Laurelthirst Pub NE Neighborhood February
2012-5 Hawthorne Hideaway SE Neighborhood March
2012-6 Mock Crest Tavern N Historic May
2012-7 Interurban N Neighborhood May
2012-8 Muddy Ruder Pub SE Neighborhood June
2012-9 County Cork * NE Neighborhood June
2012-10 Sidecar 11 N Neighborhood June
2012-11 The Cheerful Tortoise SW Historic Sports June
2012-12 Bottles NE Bottles Shop July
2012-13 Goose Hollow Inn SW Historic Neighborhood July
2012-14 The Lutz Tavern SE Historic Neighborhood August
2012-15 Gold Dust Meridian SE Neighborhood October
2012-16 Bar of the Gods SE Dive October
2012-17 Claudias SE Historic Sports November
2012-18 White Eagle Saloon N Historic November
2012-19 1856 NE Bottle Shop November
2012-20 The Ship Tavern Multnomah Village Dive December

Former Mayor and owner of the Goose Hollow Inn, Bud Clark, with Jim Westwood, John Terry and Bud’s daughter when we Beerchased at the Goose

2012 Bars Outside Portland

2012-1 Astoria Brewery Wet Dog Café Astoria, OR September
2012-2 Desdemona Club Astoria, OR September
2012-3 The Pour House Port Townsend, WA September
2012-4 Embers Brew Pub Joseph OR October
2012-5 Terminal Gravity Brewery Enterprise, OR October

The Desdemona Club in Astoria, where Laura the bartender explains to Dave Booher, the origin of the nickname, “The Dirty D.”

 2011 Portland Area Bars

2011-1 Brooklyn Park Pub SE Dive August
2011-2 Yukon Tavern SE Dive August
2011-3 Gladstone Street Tavern SE Neighborhood September
2011-4 The Twilight Room N Historic September
2011-5 Joe’s Cellar NW Dive September
2011-6 Buffalo Gap Tavern SW Historic November
2011-7 Prost N Brew Pub November
2011-8 Amnesia Brewery * N Brewery and Pub November
2011-9 Coalition Brewery SE Brewery and Taproom November

Observing the tradition at Prost where you don’t let the 2-liter boot touch the table once it starts the rounds or………

I have often gotten requests to identify my favorite spots — also those to which I would not return.   Since I subscribe to the quote below, I have most notably avoided the latter. But after almost eight years it may be enlightening for some to view Thebeerchaser’s humble opinion on the all-stars and those few given the wealth of wonderful places to raise a mug, I would not return.

Samuel Johnson – 18th century writer, poet and playwright and drinker….

“There  is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as a good tavern.”   Samuel Johnson 

I will therefore, in the next few months, publish some shorter posts on my favorites – by category i.e. dive bar, neighborhood pub, brewery, etc. – both in Portland and outside Portland.

These will be integrated with posts about new bars I am visiting and reviewing   Also, expect to see the short list of habitats that Thebeerchaser recommends that you avoid.

For example, expect to see the picture below and a short description of the Ship Tavern in Multnomah Village in the post about favorite Portland area dive bars.

I’ve also fielded inquiries about how with the number of bars visited, I have avoided gaining 100 pounds and/or a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic.  On the first question, while I haven’t attained my goal of getting back to my original weight – 9 pounds 9 ounces…(Sorry!), thanks to my wife who is an outstanding walker and hiker as well as regular trips to the gym, I have pretty much maintained my pre-retirement poundage

Mingling with the friendly regulars at the classic dive bar Club 21 in 2014 – gone but not forgotten!

It should also be noted that notwithstanding the title, this blog is primarily about bars – not the beer itself.

I spend most of my time in the watering holes, nursing a pint while talking to the bartender and the regulars about the history of the bar, the distinguishing characteristics and noting the signs, memorabilia and décor – which in most bars and a lot of brew pubs is distinct and worth talking about. (The picture from the Club 21 is a great example of the great people I’ve met.)

And, of course, on the majority of visits, I am with friends where the conversation and comradery are paramount and the beer secondary – notwithstanding this photo of former Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter Jim Westwood with members of the Jack Faust clan at the Yard House in Portland!  (Although the company was great, the Yard House is on Thebeerchaser’s “No Return” list of bars to be published in the future.

As an example, how can you be overly concerned with your brewski when you are listening to former Mayor Bud Clark, explain the amazing history of the “Expose Yourself to Art” poster while we  were at the Goose Hollow Inn (See the picture above)

Jim Westwood, Kevin Fischer, Amy Faust, Jack Faust and Thebeerchaser

The armchair philosopher who stated, “A bar is better than the newspaper for public discussion.” was correct and we should add the social media to that quote.  So I will plug on with Thebeerchaser’s Tour of Bars, Taverns and Pubs – only about 400 left to explore in Portland!

Cheers!

Cheers from Thebeerchaser

Thebeerchaser’s 2018 Annual Report

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The Beerchaser and wife, Janet at historic dive bar, Durty Nelly’s in Boston

Another year of Beerchasing concludes and after over seven years, the count of bars, pubs and breweries visited and reviewed logs in at 286 – with 111 of those in the City of Portland or metro area and the remaining 175 ranging from several in Europe to establishments in Alaska, Hawaii, various regions of the US and all across and down the coast of our wonderful state of Oregon.

Indeed, our retirement travel has expanded the scope of this retirement hobby, which I originally intended to be confined to those in Portland.  The chart below was done after an intensive audit of all my posts during the last 7+ years – because when it comes to watering holes – accuracy is important…..

Portland Outside Portland Yearly Total Composite Total
2018 12 30 42 286
2017 15 27 42 244
2016 14 39 53 202
2015 11 36 47 149
2014 17 17 34 102
2013 13 21 34 68
2012 20 5 25 34
2011 9 0 9 9
  111 175 286

 Blog Statistics

As has been the case each year, the number of views and visitors to Thebeerchaser.com has increased.   And I beg your indulgence in spouting a few of these statistics – possibly because the habit was ingrained by reviewing the “always stimulating” management and productivity reports produced at a large law firm – Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt – one I was proud to call my work home for twenty-five years. 

This year there were over 25,340 views of posts by 18,190 visitors – exceeding the record last year of 24,577 and 18,623.

And I still am surprised at where these visitors view the posts with 86% from the US and another 6% generated collectively from India, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.   The remaining 8% were people from 128 different countries, many of whom I suspect, Googled the term “Beerchaser” and were probably looking for something different than my bar tour.

The national flag of Lesotho

As usual, this hobby has been educational for me and 2018 was no exception.  For example, it took some research to locate where the one view I got from Lesotho emanated – It’s an enclaved country of two million within the border of South Africa.

Note:  Now it does not surprise me, but after publishing this post I got a comment from Jay Waldron, Schwabe partner and Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter (March 29, 2016) that he had ridden his motorcycle through Lesotho when he cycled through South Africa.  Click on the link above to read about more of his exploits.

2011- 2018 Beerchaser Graph

(Notice the 377% increase in views from 2012 at 6,704 – the first full year – to over 25,000 in 2018.)

The Beerchasing Itinerary in 2018

As you might have noticed from the chart at the beginning of the post, the number of Portland bars at twelve, was one of the lowest counts since this blog was launched in 2011.  This was because we traveled more and I had extensive involvement as a volunteer in the development of the Benedictine Brewery at the Mount Angel Abbey.

The Benedictine Brewery and St. Michael Taproom

I’m proud to say that we opened the Brewery and the St. Michael Taproom in September and so far, it has been a great success.  It’s one of three breweries owned and operated by monks in the US and came to fruition after six years of planning, fundraising and construction.  You should plan to visit the Taproom in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

Portland Area Bars

While the number visited and reviewed was somewhat meager at only twelve, I Beerchased at some distinctive bars and pubs this year ranging from the classic NE Portland dive bar – The Standard to the upscale cocktail bar – Palomar –  named Bar-of-the-Year by Oregon Live to a new and wonderful neighborhood pub not to far from my home in West Linn – The Salty Rhino.

Captain Eric (yellow shirt) skipper of the Brew Barge shirt) briefs his crew..

And there was the cruise on the Portland Brew Barge with my former Schwabe colleagues in  August.

We also paid our first visit to what has become our new favorite place to eat and have a brewski or cocktail – Wilder Bar/Cafe in Northeast Portland. I included the Benedictine Brewery in Mt. Angel in the Portland area as everybody in the Rose City should make this short trip.

Wilder – A gem in NE

Of course, there were a couple misses – venues to which I would not return.   These included the Happy Fortune and Bar 33 – Brooklyn.  Read the reviews to determine why Thebeerchaser – who by his own admission – loves almost all saloons and pubs, thought these were not worth your time.

Stop in for a daiquiri at Palomar on SE Division

Name Location Type Date of Post
The Salty Rhino West Linn Neighborhood December
Palomar SE Cocktail December
Bar 33 Sellwood Neighborhood September
Benedictine Brewery Mount Angel Brewery and Taproom August
Brew Barge Downtown (River) Miscellaneous August
The Happy Fortune SW Miscellaneous August
The Standard NE Dive June
The Dockside North Neighborhood June
Oaks Bottom Pub Sellwood Neighborhood April
Wilder Bar/Café NE Neighborhood April
Woodsman Tavern   * SE Neighborhood February
John’s Market Place Multnomah Village Bottle Shop January

*  After seven years, The Woodsman Tavern has now closed and a new site for popular restaurant Tasty N Sons will open in the same quarters.

Bars Outside of Portland

O.H.S.O. Brewery in Scottsdale

We traveled to Arizona for a week in the spring and while Phoenix/Scottsdale is definitely not our favorite urban spot in the US, there were some great breweries and hikes to make it a good trip.

The highlight of our travel in 2018, however, was an eleven day trip to New York City, Maine and Boston.  While we love the Northwest, the frenetic and diverse culture of Manhattan;  the scenery, including Acadia National Park; the micro-breweries in Maine (ranking third in breweries per capita in the US) and a night in the North End of Boston, made it a vacation to remember.

Overall, we visited thirty bars, pubs and breweries on these two trips.

The District Tap House in the heart of Manhattan’s Garment District

Name Location Type Date of Post
North Mountain Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
OHSO Brewing North Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
McFate Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
Wren House Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
Scottsdale Beer Company Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
Helton Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
Mesquite River Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
Sun Up Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
OHSO Brewing Phoenix Airport Taphouse February
Four Peaks Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
Goldwater Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
Two Brothers’ Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
Durty Nelly’s Bar North Boston Dive Bar October 30
Shipyard Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
Sebago Brewing Portland, Maine Brewpub October 30
Rising Tide Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
Marshall Wharf Brewing Belfast, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
Sea Dog Brewing Camden, Maine Brewpub October 30
Rock Harbor Brewing Rock Harbor, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
Atlantic Brewing Bar Harbor, Maine Taproom October 18
Cottage Street Pub Bar Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
Island Bar Southwest Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
Sips Southwest Harbor, Maine Cocktail Bar October 18
Ebenezer’s Pub Lovell, Maine Neighborhood October 9
Standard Gastropub Bridgton, Maine Gas Station Bar October 9
Sea Dog Brewing South Portland, Maine Brewpub October 9
Heartland Brewing New York City Brewery and Pub October 1
District Tap House New York City Taphoue October 1
Mariott Pulse Rooftop Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1
Mariott Pulse Patio Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1

Atlantic Brewery in the heart of Bar Harbor, Maine

Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter

How can I rationalize the fact that in 2018, I named only two Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter (BOQ) – a contradiction to the name of the “honor.”  Again, maybe it was the travel or prhaps it was involvement in the Benedictine Brewery……..however……

Mark Edlen outside his favorite bar in Portland

I prefer to assert that the gravitas of the two 2018 BOQs is expansive enough to justify naming only two.   Portland developer, environmentalist, outdoorsman and civic icon, Mark Edlen, was named in February and it was a pleasure re-engaging with Mark, who I originally met in 1979.

Our law firm was also the beneficiary of his real estate expertise when he served as our commercial realtor for a number of years at Schwabe before he formed Gerding Edlen Development Co. in 1996.

Cyclist and outdoorsman

And I could also maintain with some accuracy, that the second BOQ – the 1967 Oregon State Giant Killer Football Team and it’s de-facto historian, Jud Blakely, if considered as individuals rather than as a group, would garner this designation for a number of years.

Jud, who is an SAE fraternity brother and has been a friend for over fifty years, was one of the early BOQs (September, 2013) based on his remarkable persona and achievements.

Any OSU alum, or for that matter, any Oregonian interested in one of the great historic athletic tales of the State of Oregon, should visit the website below for the complete story.  It’s a labor of love by this OSU alum and former OSU Student Body President and I consider it the War and Peace equivalent to sports websites.

http://osu1967giantkillers.com

Blakely receiving his Bronze Star and promotion to captain from the Asst. Comandant of the Marine Corps.

https://thebeerchaser.com/2013/09/16/beerchaser-of-the-quarter-george-m-jud-blakely-iii/

Indeed, the story of the Giant Killers is so compelling, that it will require subsequent Beerchaser posts to complete the story of this unique team and the outstanding individuals.

https://thebeerchaser.com/2018/05/20/the-1967-osu-giant-killers-beerchasers-of-the-quarter-part-i/

And it was incredibly rewarding to interview or reconnect with some of my long-term friends who were either on the team or associated with the Giant Killer Era including Larry Rich, Craig Hanneman, Chris Wahle, Gary and Duane Barton and Scott Spiegelberg (played football after the Giant Killers and is now Director of OSU Varsity and Alumni Engagement) – but also to meet a number who I didn’t know until researching for the blog post.

The latter includes Billy Main, Steve Preece, Louis Armstrong, Bob Josis, Russ Jordan, and Don Wirth (former Executive Director of the OSU Alumni Association and a trustee of the OSU Foundation.)

Lunch at the Angry Beaver before the 2018 Washington State Football game. L to R (Billy Main, Jud Blakely, Don Williams, Karen and Steve Preece and Bob Gill)

Fear not for I have already identified my next two Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter and will get back on track with some very interesting people in 2019.

Similarly, since I have already visited, but not made a customary second visit and/or written the reviews of another ten Portland area bars and two from a trip to Palm Springs, Thebeerchaser will have no shortage of watering hole stories to relate.   If you have a bar, pub or brewery that deserves inclusion, please let me know.

Stay tuned in 2019 for the fascinating story of Portland’s Old Town Brewing…..

And in January, I will also publish the complete (and audited) list of each establishment visited from 2011 to 2018 including the location and the date of TheBeerchaser post for those who want this data base as a resource.

I might even decide to identify a number of my favorite habitats of different types e.g. dive bar, neighborhood, sports, cocktail lounge, etc. during this journey as well as pointing out the few that I would recommend you pass by as they would not enhance your Beerchasing experience in my humble opinion.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

At the covered bridge entrance to Pondicherry Park and the Pinehaven Trail in Bridgton, Maine

Now Edgar Allan Poe was not considered a really positive person based on his personal life including his military career including being purposely court-martialed at West Point, his marriage and his caustic literary reviews and writing on many macabre topics.

That said, it seems appropriate to start the New Year out with one of his poems on the merit of drinking ale.  (https://www.goodreads.com/quotes)

Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain —
Quaintest thoughts — queerest fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.

At least he was positive about ale!